Man in violent pork chop dispute sentenced to 15 years in prison

by Lauren Bradley, KECI Reporter

still0730-00001-jpg-1129982-ver1-0.jpg

MISSOULA, Mont. - Justin King, 24, was sentenced to 15 years in state prison for felony assault with a weapon.

Judge Edward McLean says King's sentence was determined by the violent nature of the crime and his bad behavior in jail, including screaming at officers, fighting with cellmates and urinating on the wall.

The fight happened last October when King and the victim began to argue over a pork chop. The argument escalated and King began striking the victim with a metal rod. County prosecutors pointed out the officer who saw the victim after the attack says he thought the victim was wearing a Halloween mask because off how badly he was beaten.

"You cannot be trusted to live in society without putting members of society at great risk. That's why none of the sentence is suspended, good luck to you," said McLean.

King will undergo anger management and chemical dependency evaluations.